Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed (: born 16 March 1978) is a Maldivian public figure, recognised for his influential roles in governance, public service, and political leadership. He served as the Commissioner General of Maldives Customs and as the president of the National Integrity Commission (NIC), where he played a key role in advancing integrity and transparency within the public sector. His work in these positions earned him widespread recognition for promoting governance and anti-corruption efforts in the Maldives.
Maaniu's outspoken criticisms of the police and his push for transparency made him a polarising figure at NIC. While some saw his actions as a necessary step toward accountability and reform, others viewed them as a direct challenge to the police force and the government. His stance, particularly against senior police officials, was believed to have contributed to tensions within the NIC and the wider political environment.
After his tenure as the Customs Commissioner, Yoosuf was appointed as the State Minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. However, he resigned from this position with immediate effect shortly after assuming the role.
Education and early career.
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in general management from Federation University Australia (2007–2009) and a bachelor's in marketing from Northumbria University (2000-2003). His early education was at Wycherley International School, where he completed his GCE ‘O’ Levels, and Belvoir College International for his primary and middle school years.
Yoosuf began his professional career as a planner for civil works at Maldives Ports Limited (1996–1997). He then worked as a financial consultant at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (2000–2003) in the United States and Malaysia, focusing on customer acquisition and financial analysis. From 2003 to 2006, he served as manager of administration and human resources at Horizon Fisheries Pvt. Ltd., overseeing a workforce of over 400 staff.
In 2007, he held the role of Head of Job Center at the Ministry of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, where he managed employment services. Later, he became the chief executive officer of Sifainge Co-operative within the Maldives National Defence Force (2009-2010), where he led the cooperative's operations and developed strategies for resource management and welfare improvements. Maaniu's career spans both public service and the private sector.
President of the National Integrity Commission (NIC).
Yoosuf Maaniu was appointed to the National Integrity Commission (NIC) of the Maldives in October 2015. Shortly after his appointment, he was elected as the president of the commission. Under his leadership, the NIC focused on overseeing the activities of key government agencies, including the Maldives Police Service, the Maldives Customs Service, the Maldives Correctional Service, and the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Maaniu's role was to ensure these agencies adhered to legal standards and operated with transparency and integrity.
Maaniu's achievements include his advocacy for accountability within public institutions. However, his tenure was marred by controversy and conflict, particularly with the Maldives Police Service. In 2016, Maaniu publicly accused the police of obstructing the NIC's investigations, claiming that several cases related to police misconduct had stalled due to a lack of cooperation from law enforcement. He warned that the police would “face the full legal power of the NIC” if they continued to block the commission's efforts. This confrontation with the police became a key point of contention during his presidency and drew considerable media attention
In 2017, Maaniu was dismissed from his position as president of the NIC by then-President Abdulla Yameen. His removal was a direct result of his allegations against senior police officials and his efforts to hold them accountable. The dismissal sparked widespread debate and raised concerns about political interference in independent institutions, especially in a country where such bodies were intended to operate without government influence.
Commissioner General of Maldives Customs.
Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed was appointed as the commissioner general of Maldives Customs on 20 November 2023 by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. During his tenure, which lasted until 22 July 2024, Maaniu implemented several key initiatives aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, border security, and anti-smuggling efforts.
Under his leadership, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program was launched on 29 January 2024, introducing a tiered system of Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels to facilitate secure trade and improve customs compliance. Maaniu also spearheaded the acquisition of drones from the United States and China to improve border monitoring, alongside the deployment of a specialized 85-foot vessel provided by Japan for enhanced maritime surveillance.
In the realm of anti-smuggling, Maaniu oversaw operations that led to the seizure of USD 103,905.97 worth of smuggled cigarettes and the interception of 3.2 million additional cigarettes in cooperation with the Maldives Police Service and MNDF.
Transition to State Minister.
After serving as the Commissioner General of Customs from 20 November 2023 to 22 July 2024, Maaniu was appointed as the State Minister of Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology. His appointment marked recognition of his contributions to public service, particularly in modernizing customs operations and enhancing national security measures.
However, his term as State Minister was notably brief, as he resigned shortly after his appointment. The reasons for his resignation remain undisclosed, but it marked a sudden transition away from his role in public administration.